CORNWALL, Ontario – A new title sponsor is injecting some much-needed cash, and experience, into a popular summertime festival.
The Kinsmen Club of Cornwall has donated $10,000 to Waterfest, which enters its sixth year in 2015.
In addition to the finances, Kinsmen members have joined the board “and will bring some of their wealth of experience with event logistics to the mix,” said Waterfest member Caroline Lajoie. “Kinsmen has a long standing reputation of being a driving force towards the betterment of our community and they prove it again and again by investing not just in projects but also in the young people that make up our wonderful city.”
Lajoie also announced Waterfest is working on creating a dragon boat racing club in Cornwall, which would align perfectly with the signature event of Waterfest – the races on the old Cornwall Canal.
“We currently have a dragon boat that is housed at the Sea Cadets camp and is available for practices,” he said. “We hope that in the near future we can encourage the Sea Cadets, Big Brothers and some local schools to fall in love with an up-and-coming ‘heart healthy’ sport.”
Waterfest’s dragon boat races take place Aug. 8 this year, with three divisions for rowers of all classes: community, sport, and survivor.
“So no matter what your fitness/experience level is there is a team waiting for you,” said Lajoie.
Waterfest, which is also sponsored by the Heart and Stroke Foundtaion, includes live entertainment throughout the day and an artfest component.
